The facelifted Volkswagen Polo will go on sale this weekend with pricing kicking off from just $15,990 driveaway for the entry-level 66TSI Trendline manual model, putting it close to sharply priced Japanese rivals such as the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris and runout Mazda 2. The rest of the range will also see the introduction of driveaway pricing for the first three months on sale – see below.

The new Polo is currently available in only two trim levels – the entry-level 66TSI Trendline (with a list price from $16,290 – down $700 on the old base car) and the top-end 81TSI Comfortline (list price: $18,290 – down $950 on the 77TSI). The existing Polo was available with the entry-level 1.4-litre Trendline, 77TSI Comfortline, 66TDI Comfortline turbo diesel model, and the flagship GTI sports variant. The GTI is expected to arrive in 2015, while VW has ruled out any plans for a diesel model this time around.

Gone is the previous base model’s 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, as both Polo models now get a new 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – but it isn’t the same one that was previously available in the 77TSI model. The new petrol turbo is lighter and more efficient, and offers re-mapped power delivery for better drivability.

The entry model produces, as its name suggests, 66kW of power (at 4400-5400rpm) and 160Nm at just 1400rpm.The previous 1.4 MPI had 63kW at 5000rpm and 132Nm at 3800rpm. The 81TSI has, you guessed it, 81kW of power delivered between 4600-5600rpm, while torque is rated at 175Nm at 1400rpm (compared with 77kW at 5000rpm and 175Nm at 1500rpm). Both versions are fitted with a manual transmission as standard – a five-speed ‘box for the 66TSI and a six-speed unit for the 81TSI. A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic is available as an option for both versions (it adds $2500).

Fuel use for the 66TSI version is rated at 4.8 litres per 100km for the manual and automatic (a drop of 1.3L/1.2L over the previous base car), identical to the auto 81TSI model, while the manual 81TSI uses marginally more at 4.9L/100km (still down by 0.6L on the 77TSI). Buyers may wish to note, though, that both require 95-octane premium unleaded fuel. No diesel is available, meaning Aussies miss out on the ultra-frugal new three-cylinder turbo diesel.

In terms of styling, the updated Polo introduces a number of mild nips and tucks to its exterior, including a revised grille, headlight and bumper treatment, and a different rear bumper and tail-light inlays.

Inside there have been a few more noticeable changes, including a standard 5.0-inch colour touchscreen media system and revised fabrics, not to mention the restyled air vents.

Satellite navigation was previously optional on the Polo with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, but is now unavailable, even as an option, due to the new media screen being incompatible. Otherwise, standard equipment levels go largely unchanged.

Two option packages are available on the top-spec model.

The Driving Comfort package includes adaptive cruise control, climate control air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a driver fatigue detection system, city emergency brake system with warning and auto-braking, auto headlights, auto wipers, a reverse-view camera and tyre pressure monitoring. It costs $1500.